The AP Lang Synthesis Essay is one of the most challenging tasks on the exam, requiring students to synthesize information from multiple sources into a cohesive and well-written essay. In 2017, the AP Lang Synthesis Essay prompt asked students to examine the impact of owning a college degree on an individual’s personal and professional development.
Overview of the Prompt
The prompt consisted of six sources, including articles, infographics, and surveys, that discussed the benefits and challenges of obtaining a college degree. The task asked students to evaluate the sources and develop a position on the effect of owning a college degree on an individual’s personal and professional development.
One key challenge of the prompt was that it required students to demonstrate advanced reading comprehension and critical thinking skills in addition to strong writing abilities. The six sources presented various perspectives on the topic and required students to analyze, interpret, and synthesize the information in a coherent and well-organized manner.
Analysis of the Prompt
The prompt required students to dig deeper into the topic, applying critical thinking and analytical reasoning to make connections and draw inferences between the sources. It was essential for students to not only understand the sources but also to find common themes, arguments, and evidence across the different sources before forming their own position.
Another crucial aspect of the prompt was the need for students to clearly articulate their position, supporting it with evidence from the sources. Students were expected to demonstrate their understanding of the sources and explain how they relate or differ from their position.
Strategies for Approaching the Prompt
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Read and Analyze Each Source Carefully: It is crucial to read each source attentively, making notes of the critical points, themes, and evidence. To do well in the exam, students must demonstrate that they have understood the sources’ content, tone, purpose, and bias.
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Create a Plan and Outline for Your Essay: The exam conditions can be stressful, making it tempting to dive straight into the essay writing. However, taking a few minutes to plan the essay’s structure and organization can help students write a more focused and coherent essay.
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Determine Your Position: Students should decide early on what their position will be in relation to the prompt’s topic, based on the evidence presented in the sources.
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Use Evidence Appropriately: It’s essential to use evidence wisely to support your position in the essay. Students should ensure they cite relevant, credible, and specific evidence from the sources to back up their points.
Key Takeaways
- The 2017 AP Lang Synthesis Essay prompt required students to evaluate and analyze the impact of owning a college degree on an individual’s personal and professional development.
- The prompt included six sources that discussed various perspectives on the topic, requiring students to read and analyze each source critically.
- To succeed in the exam, students must demonstrate their understanding of the sources and synthesize the information to form a coherent and well-organized essay.
- Strategies for approaching the prompt include careful analysis of each source, creating an outline, determining your position, and using evidence appropriately.
Conclusion
The 2017 AP Lang Synthesis Essay prompt was a challenging task, requiring students to demonstrate their ability to read, analyze, and synthesize information from multiple sources into a coherently written essay. By following the strategies outlined above, students can better prepare themselves for the exam and write a successful essay.
FAQ
Q: How long should the AP Lang Synthesis Essay be?A: The AP Lang Synthesis Essay should be a minimum of three pages long.
Q: Can I bring notes to the AP Lang Synthesis Essay exam?A: No, students are not allowed to bring any materials, notes, or resources to the AP Lang Synthesis Essay exam.
Q: How long do I have to complete the AP Lang Synthesis Essay?A: Students have a total of two hours and fifteen minutes to complete the entire AP Lang exam, including the Synthesis Essay.